So, if I want an M16A1 or sporterized version thereof, what is the best way to obtain

So, a while ago, I had posted a thread asking about the Century Arms A1 sporter, because the historian in me kind of wants an A1 style AR. I don't have an AR but if I were to get one I would prefer a more historical version. What would be the best way to get an A1 style AR anyway, if not through something like J&G sales? Bear in mind I don't have a federal license for full auto weapons, and I've also never built anything mechanical before.

Someone told me to look on gunbroker.com, which I did, and I saw a "Colt M16A1 parts kit" for 600 bucks. However I wasn't sure about exactly what everything needed to assemble an A1 style rifle would be. If I got a kit of some kind, what else would I need? Also, would I basically have to hire someone to assemble it for me?

So, a while ago, I had posted a thread asking about the Century Arms A1 sporter, because the historian in me kind of wants an A1 style AR. I don't have an AR but if I were to get one I would prefer a more historical version. What would be the best way to get an A1 style AR anyway, if not through something like J&G sales? Bear in mind I don't have a federal license for full auto weapons, and I've also never built anything mechanical before.

Someone told me to look on gunbroker.com, which I did, and I saw a "Colt M16A1 parts kit" for 600 bucks. However I wasn't sure about exactly what everything needed to assemble an A1 style rifle would be. If I got a kit of some kind, what else would I need? Also, would I basically have to hire someone to assemble it for me?

So, it looks like the "a1" configuration has the "forward assist". This makes things easier for you.

The main features that will make your "AR15" (since you will be building semi auto) look like an "a1" will be the "trangular handguard", old school "three prong" flash suppressor, Fixed butstock, and "a1" upper with integral carrying handle.

If the $600 kit includes every piece of the rifle, it's a good deal. I'd say go for it. Much easier than trying to source period accurate parts one at a time, and probably cheaper too in the long run

You can build one yourself for under $600. Find a stripped lower for around $59-79.00.
Find a lower parts kit for around $49.00-$55.00. Stock kit + buffer spring assembly for under $60. Find an M4gery upper (flat top, 16" with rail) and bolt+bolt carrier. Go with Del-Ton or something. You can build the gun with just a couple of inexpensive tools. Super-easy.

EDIT 2: Joking aside, the auction prices at gunbroker.com seem a lot lower. I just did a search for "M16A1" and got a bunch of parts hits, but the URL isn't specific to that search. I'm looking at that parts kit again; the $600 was the "buy now" price. If nobody else bids on that thing, I could possibly get it for only $499.00.

You probably picked one of the most expensive websites that I've ever seen in my life to build your gun. Waaaay too expensive.

If you're going to spend all of that money, you need to buy something more modernized. That is...something with a good stock and an M4-style, flat-top upper, so you don't limit yourself.

If you're stuck on the carry-handle style sight system, roll with one of these:

When you want to upgrade to an electronic sight and flip up iron sights (and you will), it's as easy as unscrewing the mounting knobs...as opposed to buying a dedicated, carry-handle upper that requires you to spend another $375-400. on a new upper receiver when you inevitably want to add optics to it.

That kind of seems like a finer point, though. I'm still just trying to make sure what I understand about what I'd need is correct.

Also, how do I get the parts more cheaply?

Is that M16A1 kit on gunbroker a total rip? And if not, what else would I need to create a functional rifle?

If it's not a total rip I might spring for it and even save the parts for when I understand this stuff better.

You want this

PLUS

This---

Check out Del-Ton.com They have a COMPLETE RIFLE KIT (minus the stripped lower) for around $450. (higher with certain accessories) That means a complete gun for you for like $525.00. You can't beat that at all.

So, I called a local friend of mine for advice, and he patched me through to a guy who pointed out that if I were to get an authentic A1 parts kit that I'd basically have to discard a lot of parts that would be illegal to incorporate and have a guy with a shop modify some of the things that wouldn't be compatible with the old A1 parts and contemporary AR parts.

He advised me to simply get a Colt SP1 instead from an online auction site.

Check out Del-Ton.com They have a COMPLETE RIFLE KIT (minus the stripped lower) for around $450. (higher with certain accessories) That means a complete gun for you for like $525.00. You can't beat that at all.

Do they have the rifle with a longer barrel, so I could mount those resin grips?

I dunno. It sounds like you're trying to re-create some sort of nostalgia piece. I'd go for a functional, self-defense gun...before trying to do some sort of cool-looking, retro-Vietnam looking gun. Get the main one done---then get yourself a historical replica-gun.